If you’re new to social media, you’re probably wondering what the little circles along the top are all about.  They are one of the newest features to take over social media and they have become increasingly popular. “Stories” as they are most commonly called, are posts containing photo, video, or text that stay up on your profile for 24 hours.  They have become a trendy new way to share highlights and snippets throughout the day. There are many benefits to utilizing stories on your social media platforms, not only for personal use, but for your business.

Highly Customizable

One of the great things about stories is that you can make them as unique and creative as you want.  The options are endless in terms of text, stickers, animations, and design. They are a great way to catch the eye of customers or prospective clients.  Their versatility allows you to show your company's personality and style in a fun way.

Organized

Another great quality of posting stories is that they are all kept in the same place.  Unlike Facebook posts which can become jumbled on your feed, stories are organized in a way that allows them to be accessed and viewed easily.  You are also able to archive your stories and put them into your highlights, which can be categorized for greater organization. These highlights can allow customers to easily find what they are looking for.      

More Casual

One of the reasons stories on Snapchat, Instagram, and Facebook have become so popular is because they are generally much more casual than a typical post.  They are not permanently on your page unless you choose to do so, which makes them more informal. If you are a business looking to post things such as daily specials and deals, stories can greatly benefit you and your social media platforms.  

Increasing Popularity

Many companies have trouble reaching their audience and it may be because they do not have a strong enough social media presence.  Stories were first introduced by Snapchat and have since spread to Instagram, WhatsApp, Facebook, Messenger, Skype, and Youtube. Their growing popularity is largely due to their ease of use and engagement with followers.  If you are just now starting to introduce your business to social media, posting stories is a good place to start.

Overall, social media stories have taken over and they only seem to be growing. Whether you are looking to post for fun or to grow your brand, this tool is a great way to engage with others.